L&S C70T The Planets

This course is also listed as Astronomy C12 and Earth and Planetary Science C12

Our Solar System contains profound mysteries, some that still stump astronomers and geologists. What are planets made of? Why do they orbit the Sun in only certain ways? How do planets form, and why do some have bizarre moons? What makes the Earth hospitable to life? Is the Earth a common type of planet or some cosmic quirk? This course will explore the mysteries of planets, moons, rings, comets, asteroids, atmospheres and oceans. Understanding other worlds will help us save our own planet and help us understand our place in the universe. Students in this class will have the opportunity to observe through a telescope.

Breadth

This course may be used to satisfy the Physical Science breadth requirement in Letters and Science.

"This course addressed the basic laws of astrophysics and answered a lot of questions I had about the universe. I loved every topic in the course and would recommend it to anyone who is remotely interested in learning about the universe and our solar system without knowing advanced physics."